IBC's Top 10 tips for a fun, safe Halloween

IBC Top 10: Tips for a fun and safe Halloween (CNW Group/Insurance Bureau of Canada)

EDMONTON, Oct. 28, 2015 /CNW/ - With the excitement of trick-or-treating, little ones can forget their safety rules. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) offers its Top 10 tips to help keep Halloween safe for everyone.

"On Saturday evening, streets across Western Canada will be bustling with activity so it's important to take extra precautions," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, IBC. "We are reminding parents and motorists to take some important safety measures to keep everyone safe on Halloween night."

IBC's Top 10 tips for a fun, safe Halloween are:

If driving, stay well below the speed limit and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

If possible, avoid driving between 6 and 9 p.m., when most trick-or-treating takes place.

Pay extra attention to what is going on around you when driving.

Keep an eye out for children darting across the street, especially between parked cars.

When pulling in or out of driveways, stay alert to your surroundings.

Refrain at all times from using your cellphone while driving.

Equip your trick-or-treater with a flashlight.

Consider using makeup instead of a mask to ensure your child has a clear, unobstructed view.

If a mask is necessary, enlarge the eyes or while walking push the mask up.

Avoid costumes with dark colours or use reflective tape.

Accompany your child or, if she or he is old enough, make sure your child is with a group of responsible friends.

Plan a trick-or-treating route close to home and confirm a time of return.

Tell your children to only visit well-lit houses and never go inside.

Halloween isn't just for kids – if you are attending a party and plan to consume alcohol, arrange a ride home.

About Insurance Bureau of CanadaInsurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industy association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.